Camp Springs Community Church was founded on the 4th Sunday of April, 1959, by families who wanted a Bible teaching Christ-centered church in the Camp Springs, Maryland, area. Floyd Baker was the founding pastor through 1980 when Timothy Franklin took over at the time and served through 1983. In 1983, the present pastor, Dr. James Lowther was called (he was a part of CSCS at the time) and continues to serve the church to this date. From 1972-1989, CSCC operated the Camp Springs Christian School (CSCS) on its property at 5406 Brinkley Road in Camp Springs and the school closed in 1989. At that time CSCC sold the property and contracted the construction of a new facility at 8040 Woodyard Road, Clinton. The new facility includes over 18,000 square feet to include auditorium, educational wing, and gymnasium situated on 6.75 acres of land. Currently the Church’s home school oversight ministry (umbrella group) is using the CSCS school name. In 1987, the Church joined the Independent Fundamental Churches of America (now IFCA), which is a fellowship of independent Bible churches.
CSCC believes in the verbal plenary inspiration (in all parts and every word) of the Word of God as presented in its original autographs (the actual writings of the authors of Scripture). We hold to the infallibility of Scripture in its original form (not copies or translations) and believe that excellent copies and versions exist today that rightly reflect the intent of the original writings. CSCC is dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) by sharing Christ with those who are lost, by bringing new converts to a mature faith (Colossians 1:28), and by supporting missionaries and church planters who will do the same elsewhere (several missionaries have been sent out from CSCC and dozens receive ongoing support). CSCC encourages believers to serve, grow, love the brethren, reach the lost, and provide repentance (2 Corinthians. 5:17-18). As witnesses for the Lord, believers are to seek every way to help develop mature saints (Colossians 1:28).
Basic Beliefs of the Church
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God and is sufficient for all direction in life to attain to godliness (2 Peter 1:3-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12).
- All people are sinners, falling short of God’s glory (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10, 23, 7:18), and are therefore separated from God and hope of eternal life (Romans 6:23, John 3:17-18).
- Jesus Christ is God the Son (triune God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Hebrews 10) who came in the flesh to take away the sins of the world through His atoning substitutionary death (John 1:1-3, 14, Romans 5:8-21).
- Jesus was resurrected by the Father and now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us and awaiting the time when He will come back to earth to rapture His Church (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 1:1-12, Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
- For one to receive eternal life, one has to ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive one’s sins and to come into one’s life. The confession of Christ as one’s Savior is by faith, trusting in His promises in the Scripture (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10). Once one has truly received Christ, the Holy Spirit comes into one’s life, sealing one in such a way that one is unable to lose one’s salvation (John 6:47, Romans 8:31-39, John 1:12, 1 John 5:12-13, John 20:30-31, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8).
- One day all saints (name for believers in New Testament) will be glorified, receiving a perfect eternal body (Romans 8:29-30, Revelations 21-22, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58). For now, however, believers must yield to the Spirit and obey the Bible in order to grow spiritually (Ephesians 4:22-24, John 1:22-25, 4:1-3) avoid chastisement (Hebrews 12:5-13) and to receive eternal rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). This is called progressive sanctification.
Ordinances (Rites of the Church)
- Baptism is the rite of being immersed or dipped in water after one has become a believer. (The Scriptures do not recognize infant baptism. There is no entrance into the New Testament covenant by being baptized as a child.) Baptism is done by commandment of the Lord (Matthew 28:18-20), does not save anyone (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9), was done by immersion (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:12, 16:30-33), and was a testimony that one was already saved, identifying with Christ.
- Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins, the coming of the Holy Spirit into a life, confirms one’s ongoing commitment to the Lord (Ecclesiastes 5:4), and is a testimonial to all present of that commitment. On the day of baptism, wear casual dark clothing and bring a handkerchief, towel, hair dryer, and change of clothes.
- One can be a believer without being baptized, but one cannot be an obedient believer. The Lord’s Supper, or communion, is to be served often.
- The Lord’s Supper, or communion, is to be served often. The Scriptures do not give a recommended frequency for this service, but states that as often as we do it, we do remember the Lord’s death until He comes again. It is a means of fellowship with the Lord, recommitment to the Lord, and worship of the Lord. It encourages the saints to continue onward by forsaking sins and obeying the Lord (1 Corinthians. 11:23-32). At CSCC, we have communion once a month and special communions during the year.
Requirements for Membership
◾Must be a born again Christian (John 3:16). ◾Must have been baptized as a believer. ◾Must fill out a membership application form. ◾Must agree to abide by Church Constitution & Bylaws.
Responsibility of Members
Voting members must attend at least 50% (two services per week) of the weekly church services to be eligible to vote at official business meetings. The Deacon Board is expected to be faithful in attendance at regularly scheduled church services and should be faithful in serving in the ministry. Members should seek to serve on a committee and in a ministry as the Lord leads. We discourage members from becoming overloaded, making them ineffectual in the Lord’s work (Psalms 127:1-2). We also encourage members to make sure they are serving the Lord inside and outside of the church. Too many believers do very little or nothing at all for the Lord. Everyone is called to do something for Him (1 Corinthians 12).
Visitors and New Members
Visitors and new members find that CSCC is a loving, Spirit-directed fellowship in which their participation adds to the joy and effectiveness of the Body to the praise of God. If you are looking for a bible-centered, Christ-honoring family Church in Southern Prince George’s County, perhaps CSCC is the fellowship for you.
Church Governance
A combined Church board of deacons and elders (1 Peter 5:1-5, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, Acts 6) governs CSCC. There is an annual business meeting in November to elect church officers (elders are appointed by the Board), passing the annual budget for the following year, and the consideration of any Constitutional amendments.
Current Church Staff ◾Pastor: Jim Lowther ◾Secretary: Adriana Bedwell ◾Deacons: Todd Braun | Mike Kirkendall | John Sanzone | Doug Davis, Sr.